There are no best practices

Am I overstating when I say there are no best practices?

OK, maybe a little.

But not nearly as much as we often overstate when we say that there are.

There’s certainly value in learning how others have addressed a particular challenge.

✅ The “best practice” label gets applied because it has been shown to work.
✅ You can avoid a lot of expensive mistakes by starting with an approach that has had success.
✅ Following an established standard is easier to defend if the results don’t pan out.

But calling it “best” goes too far.

👉 No two environments are the same.
👉 As other people try other approaches, they often find things that work better.
👉 When the conditions in a company change, new approaches are often needed.

I’ve heard people say, “We’re following best practices” as a reason not to experiment with a potential improvement.

When you’re trying something for the first time, certainly learn what you can from those who have succeeded before you.

And then, iterate from there. What’s called a “best practice” won’t stay that way forever.